Angel Grannison, Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises, Pennsylvania 2018

Baldwin woman Angel Grannison, 32, is facing up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to maintaining a fentanyl synthesis lab in a Pittsburgh motel. Grannison, a resident of Baldwin, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging her with maintaining a drug-involved premises before United States Chief District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

On May 11, 2018, Allegheny County Police detectives and a Special Agent from the Drug Enforcement Administration in Pittsburgh responded to a Motel 6 in Pittsburgh to a complaint of a strong chemical odor coming from one of the rooms. When they responded, investigators found Grannison in the room. In the bathroom of the room, Grannison had set up a fentanyl synthesis lab using commercial chemistry equipment and using chemicals from China.

Investigators also recovered numerous packages with Chinese return addresses, a ‘Chemistry for Dummies’ book, and a handwriting journal with notes on fentanyl production. The setup was a sophisticated operation, highlighting Grannison’s knowledge of chemistry and her intent to manufacture fentanyl on a large scale.

The investigation that led to Grannison’s guilty plea was a collaborative effort between the Allegheny County Police, the Allegheny County Crime Lab, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Grannison’s sentencing is scheduled for February 12, 2019. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. The actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior record, if any, of the defendant.

The guilty plea marks a significant blow to the fentanyl trade in Western Pennsylvania. Fentanyl is a highly addictive and deadly opioid that has been linked to numerous overdose deaths in the region. Law enforcement officials are working tirelessly to disrupt the supply chain and hold those responsible accountable.

As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen whether Grannison had any accomplices or if she was working alone. One thing is certain, however: she will face the consequences of her actions in a federal court.

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